Gastrointestinal Issues

GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS:

heartburn, gas, constipation, diarrhea, bloating.

When cortisol is imbalanced, not only does it impact other hormones, but it also can have significant impact on the gastrointestinal tract. Often with stress and cortisol dysregulation, digestion and absorption become impaired. If your gastrointestinal tract is not digesting or absorbing optimally, we will often see nutrient deficiencies and in particular, amino acid deficiencies, dysbiosis (an imbalance between the good and the bad bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract), and impaired detoxification.

Both nutrients and amino acids are essential for optimal hormonal function. Amino acids are the building blocks for proteins. Proteins make many things in our body including brain neurotransmitters which are responsible for stable moods and restorative sleep. Many people who have advanced adrenal fatigue or gastrointestinal issues will also have neurotransmitter deficiencies that can present with anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances or muscle loss.

Dr. Kristy Prouse MD, FRCSC on Amino Acid Testing

Treatment of Gastrointestinal Issues:

If we were to treat one system that would have the greatest impact on the greatest number of symptoms, it would be the gastrointestinal tract. It is fundamental to any healing as without an intact gastrointestinal tract we lack the vitamins and nutrients required for basic functioning.

The 4R gastrointestinal program is an approach that treats all necessary angles to heal the gastrointestinal tract as this system is fundamentally important to overall healing:1. Remove offending agents, most commonly food allergens, but also yeast and parasites;2. Repopulate the GI tract so there is balanced growth of healthy bacteria-probiotics;3. Replace deficiencies like hydrochloric acid, pancreatic enzymes; and4. Repair the gut with supplements and rest (fasting from sundown to sun up).

An impaired gastrointestinal tract can be a rate limiting step in the healing process if not identified and treated adequately. Similarly, the impaired gastrointestinal tract can impede treatment if it is used as the primary route of administration of treatments. This is why treatments at IHH often include intravenous, transdermal, and sublingual administration. Learn more.

Active healing of the gastrointestinal tract includes elimination of the insulting agents like pesticides, processed foods, parasites, sources of inflammation and food sensitivities. Learn more. As well, healing herbs and essentials oils can seal a leaky gut and restore gastrointestinal health. Learn more.